Scholarships and Awards

Eligibility requirements and application instructions vary for each of the scholarship applications below. Be sure to read the instructions carefully and prepare the required documents prior to applying.

If you have questions, please contact Carissa Bosch at cbosch1@uoregon.edu 


Faith Van Nice and Kuntz-Swinehart Scholarships

To be eligible for the Faith Van Nice and Kuntz-Swinehart Scholarships awards, applicants must:

  • be enrolled full‐time at the University of Oregon
  • be a declared major in Chemistry or Biochemistry
  • have a minimum GPA of 3.5 on a scale of 4.0 (or similar grade assessment)

Special consideration: Candidates will be evaluated based on the overall quality of their academic work, their commitment to future learning and research and their potential for further academic achievement.

Award: Between $4,000 and $5,000 for Faith Van Nice; between $1,000 and $2,000 for Kuntz-Swinehart 

How to apply:

Prepare the following two documents to be uploaded with your application:

  • A one‐page essay describing your academic achievements to date and your vision for your future contributions to the field of science.
  • A resume that includes both academic and non‐academic activities and accomplishments.

Note: by submitting this application, you will be considered as a candidate for both the Faith Van Nice and Kuntz-Swinehart scholarships.

Deadline: April 21, 2024 


Percy Julian Undergraduate Scholarship

To be eligible for these awards, applicants must

  • be enrolled at the University of Oregon
  • be a declared major in Chemistry or Biochemistry

Special consideration: Preference is given for students with financial need, as determined by the UO Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships. Candidates will be evaluated based on the overall quality of their academic work, their contributions to promoting diversity, equity, and/or inclusion in STEM, and their potential for further academic achievement.

Award: Typically $2,000

How to apply:

Prepare the following two documents to be uploaded with your application:

  • A one‐page essay describing your academic achievements and science-related activities to date and your vision for your future contributions to the field of science. Candidates are encouraged to share how their varied backgrounds or cultural perspectives have influenced their academic efforts and goals.
  • A resume that includes both academic and non‐academic activities and accomplishments.

Deadline: April 21, 2024


P-Chem Summer Research Fellowship

To be eligible for these awards, applicants from U of O and other undergraduate institions must meet these criteria:

  • Minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Students are returning to the UO or home institution the term after the fellowship
  • Students are not paid to conduct research through other internal UO research support programs during the same fellowship period.

Award: Awards range from $3,000 - $5,000, depending on funding

How to apply:

Apply through the UO Office of Research and Innovation for the P-Chem Undergraduate Fellowship. More guidelines are available on the application.

Deadline: May 9, 2024

Apply Now


Baitis Undergraduate Fellowship

Award: Funding for undergraduate students to conduct research during the summer in a chemistry or biochemistry laboratory at the University of Oregon, under the mentorship of a Chemistry and Biochemistry department faculty member.

How to apply: No application needed; faculty submit nominations for this award.


Knight Campus Undergraduate Scholars Program

The Knight Campus Undergraduate Scholars program is a comprehensive research experience designed to develop the next generation of leading researchers. The program immerses a cohort of students in a full year of research in a Knight Campus affiliated lab from January to December each year.  

Eligibility: To be eligible for these awards, applicants must meet the following criteria.

  • Sophomore or junior enrolled at the University of Oregon
  • Minimum 3.3 GPA
  • Major in the natural sciences
  • Commitment to program, including full-time availability, for at least 10 weeks in the summer

Award: $8,000

How to apply:

Deadline: See website for more information. Applications are usually due in late November.

Apply Now


Presidential Undergraduate Research Scholars Program

The Presidential Undergraduate Research Scholars program provides undergraduate students in the fields of chemistry, physics, earth sciences, mathematics, and computer science with an opportunity to conduct research during the academic year under the guidance of a UO faculty mentor.

Eligibility: To be eligible for these awards, applicants must meet the following criteria. 

  • Graduate from a high school within the state of Oregon 
  • Majoring in chemistry, physics, earth sciences, mathematics or computer science 
  • Currently enrolled at the UO and during the academic year of the program 
  • Junior year academic status (exceptionally talented sophomores may be considered) 
  • Earn a 3.0 GPA or higher. 
  • Planning to apply for graduate school 

Award: $5,000 

Special consideration: Priority will be given to students that are first generation, low-income, minority, and/or from an underrepresented population in the sciences. 

How to apply: 

  • Schedule a meeting with UROP to ask questions (optional). 
  • Complete the online application. 
  • Obtain two letters of recommendation. 
  • Obtain unofficial transcripts.  

Deadline: June 30

Apply Now


Additional Funding Opportunities

Additional scholarships, fellowships, and programs are available to chemistry and biochemistry majors through a variety of sources.

ESPRIT Scholarships for Undergraduate STEM Majors 
The McNair Scholars Undergraduate Program 
Distinguished Scholarships 
Iota Sigma Pi NHS for Women in Chemistry Awards 
National Merit Scholarship 
American Chemical Society Awards 
Find Funding on Fastweb.com 
Find Funding on Scholarships.com